Monday, January 15, 2024

Welcome, Spring 2024 classes!

 Welcome to my Media Law blog. I use this blog as a teaching tool that allows me to comment on current events and topics related to media law. It also allows you to participate in discussions involving media law topics.

As the name of the blog suggests, I want you to use this forum to speak freely about the topics that we will discuss during the semester.

We will discuss some controversial topics -- and often, we may not agree. You may not agree with me, or you may not agree with your classmates.

But this is a forum of expression, so you have the right to express your opinion. My opinion is not correct just because I'm the instructor. You should feel free to disagree with me.

Think about this as the First Amendment in practice.

A few ground rules, please. Some of our discussions may become heated. While you have the right to express your opinion, I urge you to be considerate of others, especially those with whom you disagree. Avoid attacking or belittling others just because you disagree with their opinions. And, I suggest you double check your comment for grammar, clarity and sensitivity before you post.

With your comment, please include your first name and the initial of your last name, and your class (11 a.m. MW class, Honors class, or Online class). I need this information to keep track of your comments for participation points.

You can get an idea of how I used this blog in past semesters, though you are not responsible for reading or commenting on previous blog entries.

Now, let's start with something light.

Share with us a favorite book, movie, TV show, song, etc., that is related to law, then tell us why it's your favorite and include a brief summary of the work.

I'll go first. In past semesters, the movie I would call my favorite was "Twelve Angry Men" -- the original with Henry Fonda. But in 2012, I saw Steven Spielberg's "Lincoln" and was thoroughly impressed. The movie recounts President Lincoln's effort to encourage Congress to pass the Thirteen Amendment, which abolished slavery. A movie about passing a constitutional amendment? How perfect for a media law prof!

I look forward to reading your comments.

176 comments:

Kathleen Hummer said...

Kathleen H - Online

"My Cousin Vinny" is my favorite law-related movie due to its combination of humor and legal principles. This 1992 film, directed by Jonathan Lynn, follows Joe Pesci as Vincent LaGuardia Gambini, a New York lawyer navigating a murder trial in rural Alabama. What sets this movie apart is its ability to entertain while offering a genuine look into the legal world. It's not your typical law movie; it's funny, and Joe Pesci, along with Marisa Tomei's award-winning performance, makes it a blast to watch. The courtroom scenes are more than just serious and boring like they would be in the real world. What makes it my favorite is that it's not all about laughs; it also gives you a real peek into how the legal world works. Joe Pesci's character trying to figure things out in the South adds this cool twist. The movie is entertaining, and the humor in the courtroom scenes makes it stand out from other law movies. "My Cousin Vinny" is my favorite because it mixes comedy with a sneak peek into the legal stuff. It's not too serious, and it's not too complicated – just the right combo that makes it a fun watch every time.

Vianna Gonzales said...

Vianna G - Online

My favorite movie related to the law is “Legally Blonde”. The movie follows Elle Woods, who originally follows her ex-boyfriend to Hard Law School in hopes to win him back. Throughout her time there, she begins to realize the importance and dedication it takes to accomplish a career in law and she begins work at that for herself and not her ex-boyfriend. Woods results in to being top of her class after she solves the on-going case with her own knowledge of fashion and hair care, after her team doubted her. The movie also shows how the law isn’t always back or white, especially when solving cases. She was able to solve the case with knowledge of how to care for permeant curls, while everyone else couldn’t figure it out.

Lexi R MW 11am said...

My favorite show about law is Suites. The show is currently on Netflix and I started it this past summer. It is a television show about a college dropout (Mike Ross) who is a genius that can remember everything he reads or sees. Mike Ross gets hired at a big law firm in New York despite not having a law degree. Mike Ross works under one of the biggest lawyers in New York (Harvey Spector) and learns a lot through him. In the show they take on cases and show the lifestyle of lawyers in the big city.

Abigail Walker said...

Abigail W- 11 a.m. MW

My favorite show about the law is Criminal Minds. The first season of Criminal Minds was released in 2005; the show now has sixteen seasons. You can now watch Criminal Minds on Hulu, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and more! Criminal Minds is about criminal profilers who work for the FBI, and they are members of the Behavioral Analysis Unit. Each episode is about the FBI investigating and solving a different crime.

Lucciana's blog said...

Lucciana C - 11 a.m. M/W

My favorite TV show related to law is How To Get Away With Murder. However, I doubt it is in any way an accurate depiction of the law. This Netflix show stars Viola Davis, EGOT title holder, who plays a law school professor who takes on law students in what the watcher thinks is an internship situation, as they help solve her cases that Davis ends up fighting in court. However, along the way, this group of law students ends up committing their own fair share of crimes and the lines of student and criminal get very blurry. I like this show because I really never got bored watching it as there was always something new happening in every episode. I also liked the variation between the characters' personal plots versus the case they were solving that week, both jam packed with plot twists.

Anonymous said...

Matilda S - Online class

My favorite show related to law is the show Suits, I noticed someone else already mentioned it, it is such a great show. It is a while since I have watched it but it is one of my favorite shows. It is about a lawyer in a big law firm that hired a college dropout because of his unbelievable memory and knowledge about law. During the show they take on all kinds of cases and turns every battle into a victory. They also develop a very deep friendship over the years. It is such compelling show, which is why I love it!

Lazaro Loredo said...

Lazaro Loredo - Online Class

My Favorite album that has to do with laws and politics has to be Kendrick Lamars "To Pimp a Butterfly". The albums as a whole has been regarded as one of the most important albums thats released in recent years, sonically the album is amazing, mixing themes of soul, funk, r&b and of course hip-hop, But aside from how well the album was made, Its most prominent and talked about quality is its subject matter. The album speaks on Black America, more importantly the scrutiny and hardships that African Americans have dealt with for years. Themes of racial justice, revolution and Black celebration are covered in the span of 16 songs, each of which having an important role on the message the album is trying to convey. I think the album deserves all the praises it receives and is definitely worth listening to!

Jaelyn Dominguez said...

Jaelyn Dominguez- Online Class

My favorite TV show related to law is "Law and Order: SVU".The show discusses special victim cases such as assault or abuse crimes towards young children. It shines light on important issues that often go overlooked in the justice system because the cases are for children who are not always believed or reliable in the eyes of the law. The show follows the Special Victims Unit in New York City which handles these cases and the results that follow. The show not only shows real-life cases that could happen but as well as unsettling results that also happen in real life due to a corrupt justice system that is not always on the side of justice. It is my favorite because it is the closest to real-life crime that shows the horrors of crimes committed and what really happens. It is also my favorite because in light of the horrible trauma if the world, the characters each have their own unique personality that adds to the show's aura making it a little more light hearted and personal.

Christina Zamudio said...

Christina Z. - 11 a.m. MW Class

My favorite law-related TV series is "How to Get Away With Murder" starring Viola Davis. Davis plays Annalise, a cunning law professor, and a small group of her students aid her in defending her crimes, the crimes of her friends and colleagues, and eventually the students' crimes. The crimes are extreme and the core cast is FREQUENTLY getting away with murder, but I admire the persuasion and slimy tactics they take part in to defend themselves and those close to them.

Nathan Schutt said...

Not a movie or TV show, I'm an actor in Broke Thespians Theater Company's production of Witness to the Prosecution! It's a very fun show written by Agatha Cristie, has been turned into a movie and produced ad infinitum since its release. It's a classic "who-dunnit" type court drama, with twists and fun dynamics and court hijinks, with the dueling lawyers objecting to each others lines of questioning and trying to get the opposing witnesses to break. We are only at the beginning of the show processes, but at the end of February we will open at the local VFW from the 23, 24 and 25, then March 1, 2 and 3rd. It'll be loads of fun!

Caleb Escobedo said...

Hi, My name is Caleb Matthew Escobedo and I am a part of the 11 Am Law & Ethics class. I would like to talk about my favorite movie that is related to law. This movie is Oppenheimer. This is a recent movie that has come out with being about the rise of the atomic bomb arms race along with the mass effects it would not only have in war but also in the world. The law is a very critical theme throughout the movie being a part of how the film discusses how the arms of atomic weapons are very critical to the safety of the world. I liked some of these court scenes because they might come off as minor plot moments but later will be shown to be very critical moving parts of the overall narrative of the story. I believe this film uses the law in a great way not to be a crutch but to be something as a vessel for overarching themes.

Valerie Espitia said...

Valerie E- Online Class

Hi, my favorite show relating to law would be How to Get Away With Murder. The show revolves around a lawyer, played by Viola Davis, who also teaches law at a university. She and her group of students somehow continuously put themselves in very crazy situations where they are constantly and successfully "getting away with murder." The whole show is simply so interesting seeing how they fool the criminal justice system until the very end.

Maria Aldana said...

Maria Aldana - Online Class

The book "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee is one of my favorites. Themes of moral development, empathy, and racial injustice are all explored in this classic book. The plot, which takes place in the American South in the 1930s, follows lawyer Atticus Finch as he defends a black man who has been wrongfully convicted of raping a white lady. The story, which is narrated by Atticus's daughter Scout, offers an insightful examination of societal prejudices and the intricacies of the legal system. I appreciate "To Kill a Mockingbird" because of its powerful depiction of justice, its analysis of ethical issues, and the lessons it teaches humanity about compassion and speaking out against injustice.

Madelyn F said...

Madelyn F - Online Class

My favorite song having to do with law and particularly media is Green Day’s “American Idiot”. The song was written as a ballad for those who are angry, confused, and underrepresented in American media. The band expressed animosity toward the state of confusion they felt the world was being led into at the time of the song’s release in 2004. I think the song is still relevant today with misinformation being so prevalent in our media. Green Day is definitely a household alternative rock name for a reason.

Reese McKee said...

Reese McKee - 11am MW Class

The first piece of media that comes to mind when I think of law is the movie "Legally Blonde". This movie is about a young girl Elle Woods that tries (and success) to get into Harvard after her ex boyfriend said she wasn't smart enough to be with. She then goes on to face obstacles and stereotypes because of her "blonde personality", but ends up being the best in her class while solving a murder trial case. This is one of my favorites because it goes against the normal stereotypes and shows that many people may have more potential than you think, and that it is always good to think outside the box and trust others judgements.

Carly Earnest said...

I think one of my favorite tv shows that relates to Law would have to be Suits. I have a hard time getting sucked into TV shows and often give up after the first couple of seasons. Suits truly kept me interested throughout all several seasons. Suits is about a main character that memorizes everything he sees and, when escaping the cops, he wonders into a Law office and scores an interview. Harvy, his now boss, hires him and they work alongside each other through office destruction, personal problems, love interests, and tough cases.

- Carly E: Online Class

Anonymous said...

Lainey B - Online class

"The Central Park Five" is my favorite law movie because it tells a powerful and true story about justice. The movie follows the lives of five young men who were wrongly accused of a crime they didn't commit. I appreciate how the film focuses on the flaws in the legal system and the impact it had on these individuals. The way the movie talks about the legal stuff is easy to follow and the characters are well-played. It makes you think about important issues like fairness and freedom and is a great choice if you like movies that mix law and important social issues.

Gabi said...

Gabi Castro - 11am MW

One movie that I like that is related to law is "Legally Blonde." This movie is about a young girl who goes to Harvard law school in hopes to get her ex boyfriend back. Because he had said she was not smart enough, she thought that getting into Harvard would have him think otherwise. She ends up being really successful and beating the "dumb-blonde" stereotype, and she solves this really important case. I like this movie because it shows that anyone can do anything if you just put your mind and hard work into it.

Sydni Brault said...

Sydni B. (11:am M/W class)

I immediately thought of one of my favorite movies: Dead Poets Society. Though law isn't the central theme of the film, the main character is forced by his father to study law instead of his passion, theatre. It ends tragically, with the viewer able to see both perspectives from father and son.

I love this quote spoken by Robin Williams' character...

“Medicine, law, business, engineering, these are all noble pursuits, and
necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for.”

Kristen Likness said...

Kristen L, 11am MW class

One of my favorite TV shows is The Lincoln Lawyer. I like this show because I like the suspense but also the humorous aspect of it. The show came out in 2023 with two seasons and currently making the third season. A little rundown of the Lincoln Lawyer is Mickey Haller a defense attorney running his practice out of his Lincoln Town car in Los Angeles. As he tries to start his career back up from having a drug addiction he faces a lot of challenges inside and outside of the courtroom.

Zavien Henderson said...

Zavien H. - Online Class

My favorite show relating to Law is the show Suits on Netflix. It's about a guy with photographic memory who becomes a top level lawyer at a big firm in New York without ever going to law school. He's very good at what he does, in the show him and his partners take on many obstacles and his past is trying to catch up to him. It's a great show, I have about 2 seasons left.

Brissa Coronado said...

Brissa C. - 11 a.m. MW class

Hello! My favorite show pertaining to law is "Extraordinary Attorney Woo" on Netflix. I liked that each episode had a different case and still a leading story. The show is a K-Drama about an attorney with autism and how she solves cases, deals with society, friendships and love. There's only one season, but heard they are making a season 2!

Hope Jimenez said...

Hi! My name is Hope J. I am in 11am MW.

My favorite law-related movie is "Legally Blonde." A movie about Elle Woods, who tries to prove to her ex-boyfriend that she isn't a "dumb blonde" by attending Harvard Law and later finds herself quite good at the subject. This is a favorite because it is a reminder that I can do anything a man can do. It's both empowering for women and, ultimately, a feel-good movie to watch.

Candace T. said...

Candace Taggart T/R 9:30 a.m.

My favorite show about law The Good Fight (tbh I've only seen the first season). While this is show is melodramatic, especially with the lawyer's personal lives getting involved with cases, it has a variety of types of court cases and law suits. This show also follows how law firms and lawyers themselves choose clients and cases, as well as how they game plan arguments depending on their limitations in the courtroom. The show itself follows two specific lawyers at the same law firm themselves fighting for their reputations back after an embezzlement scandal.

Hadley B Online said...

My favorite show about law has to be "How to Get Away With Murder".
"How to Get Away With Murder" is a gripping television series that revolves around Annalise Keating, a criminal defense attorney and law professor. The show follows a group of ambitious law students recruited by Annalise, and their lives become entangled in complex legal cases and personal dilemmas. While the show captures the intensity of the legal world and courtroom drama, it often takes creative liberties for dramatic effect, straying from strict legal accuracy. Nevertheless, its intricate plot and dynamic characters make it a compelling watch for those intrigued by legal thrillers.

Ryan Salas said...

Ryan Salas. - Online Class

My favorite movie that is related to law is The Devil's Advocate a classic with the talented Al Pacino and Keanu Reeves. This movie is a favorite of mine because it shows how far a committed lawyer will go to keep winning his cases as a criminal lawyer defending violent criminals and consciously knowing their guilty. Al Pacino plays the devil asking the lawyer to help defend monstrous criminals because he knows this lawyer is the best and has never lost a case. The lawyer in the end realizes not every client is worth saving and to use his work for good instead.

Robert Mancha said...

Robert M, Honors

The first movie that led me to gain an interest in the legal field was On the Basis of Sex, a film that details the early career of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and her work on the Supreme Court case Moritz v. Commissioner, which she used to create a precedent ruling on discrimination based on one's sex. Ginsburg was eager to take on this case as it allowed her an opportunity to highlight an example of a man experiencing sex discrimination, which she wanted to utilize to call attention to the discrimination that women experienced. While the movie may have prioritized establishing a reverence for Ginsburg, it was an effective account of her work on this case. I still hold this movie as as one of the most inspiring legal films that I have watched, not necessarily for the focus on Justice Ginsburg, but rather for the representation it provides for how impactful the work of an attorney can be in creating crucial change.

Nicole Waters, Online Class said...

brilliant college dropout who starts working as a law associate for a top law firm in New York City, despite never having attended law school. The show follows the main character, Mike Ross who is a genius with a photographic memory, as he navigates the complexities of the legal world while hiding his secret. The fast-paced, but witty dialogue, along with interesting legal cases, kept me hooked from beginning. It was fascinating to see how Mike used his exceptional memory and intelligence to outsmart seasoned lawyers and win cases. The dynamic between Mike and his mentor, Harvey Specter, added an extra layer of excitement to the show as well as crime asthetic and shows how fast corruption can spread in offices of authority. Suits is definitely a great show for anyone interested in law or just looking for an entertaining show.

Chandler Barganier said...

Chandler B. Honors class

My favorite law-related movie has to be "Legally Blonde". It may be a popular choice but that is for good reason. It's a light-hearted and uplifting movie with a strong feminist message. Although the movie starts out with the main character chasing her ex-boyfriend to law school it develops into a story about self-empowerment. The main character does not sacrifice her love of pink and all things girly, but rather embraces her femininity while rising to the top of her law school class. Also if you have not seen the musical version I highly recommend.

Anonymous said...

Katharine Y. - Online class
My favorite show that has somewhat to do with law would be "Daredevil." This show is made by Marvel and follows the story of a blind lawyer who has enhanced senses and fights crime as a masked vigilante in Hell's Kitchen, New York City.

Chelsie Flannel said...

Chelsie Flannel - 11 am MW Class

Hello Professor Martinez and class! my favorite show related to the law would have to be "How to get away with murder" which is a show about a law professor who also is a lawyer, she basically picks a select few students to shadow her in her cases and be able to see court practices up close. It's a show hat will definitely keep you on your toes but it's also not very realistic in the way it depicts lawyers, or could it be more realistic than I think? I don't want to spoil it in case you decide to try watching it but some of the crimes the students and the professor commits make me wonder if this is really happening in the real world, I assume, when your job is using the law to prove your clients innocent you probably can get an idea of just what you can get away with, with a good lawyer. I also am familiar with "12 Angry Men" but not the movie, I'm familiar with the book! I remember reading it in high school and being so intrigued by the story and how it ends, it's definitely a good book that makes you reflect on the legitimacy of juries and how they can affect someone's life.

Anonymous said...

Christopher M. (11a.m. MW class)

-Im embarrassed to admit this but my favorite TV show related to law is Drop Dead Diva. It is a fresh take on law themed shows by having the main character, who is a model, switch bodies with a lawyer and then becomes a great lawyer herself. It was created by the producers of Legally Blonde, for those that like that film.

AnaBelle Elliott said...

AnaBelle E. (MW Class)

My favorite show that has to do with the law is Diagnosis Murder. This show, starring Dick Van Dyke and his son, tells a story in each episode of a murder, of some sorts, and the lovable Dick Van Dyke, playing a doctor at a local hospital solving the murder. Van Dyke's son plays an officer and brings in a majority of the lines about laws and miranda rights and sometimes even a court case scene. It is my favorite because I love the funny banter and the characters. I have always been fascinated by these sorts of crime shows and I appreciate that it shies away from violence or gore.

Carolina G - online said...

My favorite show related to law would be Bones. In this show, an anthropologist that works at the Jeffersonian teams up with a special agent to investigate cases in which all there is left is bones. While the show is primarily suspenseful and dramatic, it also contains some comedy and romance along the way.
It was kind of hard for me to pick between Bones and SVU, but the reason I chose Bones is because I like the more behind scenes of the forensics team and how they deduct answers from small clues. This is partially also an almost nostalgic show for me because I watch it with my mom and my aunt all the time. It's an odd comfort show.

Rachel Millikin said...

My favorite movie related to law is Legally Blonde. I'm not a law student, but Elle Woods makes me believe I could be. She brings a different perspective to the courtroom that others could never bring. It's an aspiring movie for women who want to be a lawyer or in a career related to law but are afraid to take the first step.

Tara Davis said...

Tara Davis - MW 11 AM Class

One of my favorite movies surrounding law would be the Trial of the Chicago 7. The film surrounds the trial from 1969 where 8 men were charged with inciting riot crossing state lines. The defendants were originally protesting the Vietnam War, but the trial quickly turned to the racism depicted in our country at the same time. I think this movie is important due to its continued relevance today. The film was released in the fall of 2020 after a summer of Black Lives Matter rallies, which could be seen as identical compared to the summer of 1968 Anti-Vietnam War rallies. It is beyond important and truly shows how the First Amendment can be used against those it is supposed to stand for.

Jacob Wright said...

Jacob Wright MW 11am

I recently watched American Gangster with my roommates. The way that it relates to law is that the plot is basically about a cop in New York trying to bust a big-time heroin dealer who is very under the radar of most law enforcement. Most of the movie and the ending is about how the police officer has to do things by the legal system so that he can make his convictions stick in court.

Destiny Rajkumar said...

Destiny Rajkumar (MW 11 am)

My favorite show that has a lot to do with the law is a show called "The Fall." The show follows a very smart serial killer, Paul, who is being hunted by one of the best detectives in the country, Stella. The show constantly has you on the edge of your seat as we see Paul figure out who's hunting him, but Stella doesn't have a clue who she's supposed to be hunting. After about a season, Stella has to get crafty. The law stops her from conducting the investigation she wants to, so she has to go rouge. She's kind of like Batman, by day she conducts the investigation according to the law, but at night she takes it into her own hands and cuts through all the red tape. It's a very good show and has three season, I highly recommend it!

Maddie Howes said...

Maddie Howes (MW 11am)

My favorite law-related show is Criminal Minds. Criminal Minds is a show about a few FBI agents who hunt down killers who usually have very odd motives. The show started in 2005 and went on to do 15 seasons. I thoroughly enjoyed watching a dramatized version of what the FBI might do. It is a little scary to think about criminals in real life, but it is very interesting on TV!

Molly P. ONLINE CLASS said...

Hi, this is Molly P. from your online class! I think my favorite law related tv show would have to be Law and Order SVU because my parents love it and I enjoy watching it with them. In this show, the police are part of the "Special Victims Unit" and bring justice to victims of sexually-oriented crimes. It is also one of the longest running shows with its 25th season just starting.

Amanda N. - Online Class said...

My favorite law related TV show is To Catch a Smuggler on the National Geographic channel. It's so interesting to see the different laws and procedures that U.S Customs and Border Patrol follow to facilitate lawful international travel and trade. Something that this show taught me was that they not only protect the U.S. from illegal drugs, but they also protect our agriculture by ensuring international plants and products are free of foreign pests and animal diseases. Another thing I didn't know was that you must claim with customs if you are traveling with more than $10,000. I don't ever plan to travel with that much cash on hand, but it's just something interesting that I didn't know. I really learn something new about the law each time I watch a new episode!

Amara Davis said...


Amara D. - Online

My favorite law related show is Law and Order SVU. That is a powerful show with wild written characters. This show reminds me of the true horrors in the world while reminding me to remain strong enough to protect myself as I live my life as a women that operates independently. The actress that plays the main character, Olivia Benson, is an advocate for encouraging legislative change to best protect those that have become victims of sexual assault.

Jenna Krenek said...

Jenna K. - online class

Although I don't normally watch shows or movies related to law, I have watched a few. Out of the ones I've seen— "Criminal Minds," "How to Get Away With Murder," and "Bones" —Criminal Minds is my favorite. The show revolves around a group of main characters who are part of a special profiling team within the FBI. They use their skills to profile and catch criminals, who are mostly murderers, either to put them in prison or to prevent them from committing more crimes. I don't know exactly how accurate the portrayal of actual law is, but the TV show is very interesting and ran for over a dozen seasons.

Anissa A. - Online said...

My current favorite show related to law is So Help Me Todd. I started watching this show because I followed the actor Skylar Astin from his previous show Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist. So Help Me Todd follows a man named Todd who recently got his PI license revoked. Todd's mother, a successful lawyer, Margaret, hires her son as her law firm's in-house investigator. Margaret strictly adheres to the law in every form and fashion, while Todd finding himself in predicaments throughout the show causes for an entertaining and dramatic comedy.

Emma Manuel said...

Emma M. - MW 11am

My favorite law-related show is "Suits"! Although I also enjoyed "How to Get Away with Murder" and "Criminal Minds". I actually just finished watching all 9 seasons of Suits because it got me so hooked. I love the witty humor in it and the dynamic of the law office and its characters throughout the show. Suits is about a genius guy, Mike Ross, who starts working for the top law office in New York without ever going to Law School. There's a lot of drama about Mike's secret of never actually going to law school because this firm only ever hires Harvard law graduates. The episodes are often about different cases the firm is working on as well as the personal life drama of the firm's employees. It's a heavy drama law-related show, and is definitely worth a watch!! Not only is it my favorite law related show, but it's also one of my all-time favorite series!!

Megan Kim Online Class said...

Hello! My name is Megan Kim from the online class. My favorite show relating to the law is Suits. The reason why this is my favorite is because most law shows/movies that I have seen are criminal cases, such as Criminal Minds. Suits, however, is in a corporate setting and deals with mostly white collar crimes which I find interesting because it was something I hadn't seen before in a law setting other than in this show. It has a lot of drama and it is interesting to see how they solve some of the cases. I'm currently on the last season!

Jayla M Honors T/TH said...

Although I have been committed to Suits and Bones recently, I can't forget my first love; Drop Dead Diva, starring Brooke Elliot ad Jane Bingum, is a series telling of a twist of fate. Two women, one a vain model, Deb, and a passionate lawyer, Jane, die on the same day leaving Deb's consciousness alive in Jane's body with her law degree still intact in her memory. The lawyer must overcome self-made obstacles in her newfound life at the same time she continues this career that she woke up in. She ends up being an inspiring beacon of feminine hope throughout her journey. Not to mention it was pretty funny at times!

Brinley Martin said...

Hi, my name is Brinley M. and I am in the MW 11 o'clock class. One of my favorite shows that relates to law is Law & Order: SVU. This show not only entertains but also sheds light on the challenges faced by law enforcement and legal professionals in handling crimes of a particularly sensitive nature. Law & Order: SVU often draws inspiration from real-life cases and includes solving crimes involving sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse.

Daven Meredith (online class) said...

My name is Daven Meredith, and I am in the online class. My favorite law film has to be My Cousin Vinny. We follow New York lawyer Vinny, played by Joe Pesci, who has never won a case until his cousin Bill gets accused of a murder he did not commit in the deep south of Alabama. I like this film because of the tones of comedy incorporated with topics of law that director Jonathan Lynn uses to prop this film up and deliver to the fullest.

Avery Strauss 11:00 TR said...

My name is Avery Strauss! I would have to say one of my favorite movies relating to the law is the classic Legally Blonde. The story follows Elle Woods, played by Reese Witherspoon, a sorority girl who enrolls in Harvard Law School to win back her ex-boyfriend. Despite initial skepticism from her peers and professors, Elle discovers her passion and determination for the law. She goes on to win a murder case at the end of the movie, which is the start of her career in law. It truly is an empowering movie and shows a good message to girls everywhere.

Rhys Largent said...

Rhys L.
11 a.m. MW

My favorite TV show related to law is Succession. The show follows the Roy family, owners of a NYC-based global media conglomerate. The father, Logan, experienced a decline in health and his four children begin to fight for their shot to inherit the company. Many of the plotlines include legal challenges that corporations face. It is a fantastic show for many reasons, but the corporate law aspect is enjoyable to watch.

Kimberly Garza said...

Kimberly Garza - M/W 11am

It's "Better Call Saul" that I enjoy. This TV show serves as a prequel to the popular "Breaking Bad" series and follows Jimmy McGill's journey from a small-time attorney advocating for his disadvantaged clients to Saul Goodman, the ethically problematic attorney we get to know in "Breaking Bad." The program successfully examines legal ethics, the difficulties faced by attorneys, and the murky line between good and bad in the legal field. My pick in the genre, "Better Call Saul" provides an intriguing look into the legal world with a complicated plot, interesting characters, and outstanding writing.

Saliyah P. said...

I watched the limited series, "When They See Us", when it was released on the Netflix viewing platform in 2019. I would say that this is my "favorite" TV song related to law. However, I would use the word "favorite" loosely with respect to the true story the series depicts.

I chose this series because of its accuracy and bravery to share the extremes of such a tragic and devastating time, much of which was due to abuse of power, racism and disregard for practicing law properly. I found the series to be incredibly well done and captures the magnitude of issues that are still present in today's society.

To give a quick synopsis, "When They See Us", is a limited series created by Ava DuVernay and depicting the lives of Antron McCray, Kevin Richardson, Yusef Salaam, Raymond Santana and Korey Wise during their accusation and conviction in false connection with the case of the Central Park Jogger in 1989. The series includes the events leading up to their wrongful conviction(s) and incarceration(s) and the aftermath of such. It's a sensitive topic and can be tough to watch but, it speaks volumes on how egregious abuse of the law is.

--
Saliyah P. - Online Class

Fiona Z said...

Fiona Z- M/W 11am
One of my favorite shows that involves the law, is an older TV show called Psych. It follows Shawn Spencer and his best friend Gus on their crazy adventures working for the Santa Barbara Police Department. Shawn Spencer is a self-proclaimed "Psychic" (hence why it's called Psych!) when in reality, Shawn has a cop for a dad, training him to always be hyper-vigilant of his surroundings. I chose this show because there are some legal aspects in it, having to do with the police department and how they investigate criminals, and what rules they have to follow. It is my favorite because of how ridiculously silly the show gets. It is one of the funniest shows I have ever seen in my life! Bonus- my favorite song relating to law is "I Fought the Law" by GreenDay :)

Marisa Nunez said...

A favorite movie of mine loosely related to law has to be the iconic 2001 film, Legally Blonde. The movie follows Reese Witherspoon as Elle Woods as she embarks on her journey to becoming a Harvard Law School Graduate (originally in pursuit of her ex-boyfriend Warner). Throughout the movie Woods discovers her passion for law through studying and exploring real legal cases. Ultimately, Woods wins a case with her background knowledge as a fashion student, empowering viewers by teaching them integrity, independence and empowerment. She does this all while wearing super cute pink outfits too. :)

Anonymous said...

Hello, my name is Lochlan Daily. I’m in your 9:30 Free Speech Free Press class. If I had to decide, I would say a show that I love that has to do with law would be West Wing. I think there’s a lot of detail and history that the show goes into related to policy and how it all really works.

Kiley C said...

Kiley C, 11 am MW class. My favorite TV series that relates to law is, "How to Get Away with Murder." I really enjoy this show because it has to Criminal Law. Not only is this show full of twists and personal secrets, but it also displays factual court information.

Ashley Lehn said...

Ashley Lehn- 11 a.m. MW class
My recent TV obsession over the last couple of weeks is a series on Netflix called "Suits." The series follows the day-to-day cases of a big-time, New York law firm called "Pearson Hardman". Throughout the series, the team tackles a variety of different cases, from high dollar coorperations to probono cases. This show allows you to see every aspect of a law firm, although it is likely dramatized for view enjoyment, you get a good feel for what a law firm has to tackle in order to achieve a good outcome in their cases. My personal favorite aspect of the show is learning about different legal loopholes the team uncovers to win cases.

Liam Capwell said...

Liam C. - Honors

My favorite law related show that I have watched would definitely have to be suits on Netflix. It is a show about a guy that is an aspiring legal attorney that doesn't have a law degree. But he does have a photographic memory, which you will see serves him well. He gets a spot at a top firm in NYC and him and his partner tackle challenges all while the show is filled with drama, whit, controversy, and humor. Great show. Would recommend a watch, but for only about 4-5 seasons.

Madyson Westermann said...

Madyson W- Honors Class
My favorite law based show is Law and Order. It was created in 1990 and each show is based on true crimes that have been committed. The multi-series show is about the most prominent police detectives in New York City, where they investigate different crimes that occur and are taken to court to have New York be a safer place for their community. It is a great show to watch with family and friends to get to know more about how different crimes are dealt with in the judicial system.

Cannon Baker said...

My favorite law related show is Power Book 2 on Starz. It is a criminal law show that focuses on college student Tariq St Patrick. He is running a drug ring around the imaginary Stansfield University campus and constantly is getting into investigations by the NYPD. His lawyer who is played by rapper Method Man, constantly defeats the New York district attorneys and makes them look bad even when they have evidence on his client. Entertaining show that has some realistic features that can be connected to today's society.

McKenna L said...

McKenna L- 11 am MW class
My favorite book involving the law is "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson. This is a very popular book, and later film adaptation providing previously untold information on systematic racism within the U.S. criminal justice system. This book is my favorite not only due to the multitude of storylines followed within the book but also purely the information that the book provides. All of the statistics and stories are hard to believe, let alone live through. This non-fiction book truly opened my eyes to the flaws within the legal system we are always taught was perfect.

Trevor Beal said...

Hello, my name is Trevor Beal and I am a student in your Free Speech Free Press class T/TH at 9:30. One of my favorite films relating to law is "Erin Brokovich". This film, based on a true story, follows a single mother who, upon securing a job as a clerk at a small law firm, becomes consumed and completely devoted to a case regarding a small town full of people suffering from various illnesses. Despite having no experience in law, Erin investigates and finds that the illnesses are all linked to water contamination that had been illegally covered up by a large water corporation. Along with the lawyer who hired her, Erin fights for the people of Hinkley and eventually wins the lawsuit against a multi-billion dollar company. The film provides an uplifting story of one woman's devotion to justice.

Jaelynn Sifuentes said...

Jaelynn Sifuentes T/R 9:30 a.m.

My favorite piece of law-related media is a series called "Defending Jacob" on AppleTV. The show centers an Assistant District Attorney, Andy Barber, who is faced with a major moral dilemma after his teenage son is accused of brutally murdering a classmate. Andy is first assigned the case but soon finds himself in a conflicting position as rumors of his son's off-putting behavior and violent tendencies begin to spread around their small town. The show is incredibly gripping and completely worth the watch if you're also into psychological thrillers, it also only has one season so it's not a huge commitment.

Jordan Sedillo said...

Hey, my name is Jordan Sedillo my favorite movie that has to do with law is "The Devil's Advocate. I like the supernatural aspect of the movie but also how the lawyer seems to win every case, and the plot twist of that he/s the devils son is really mind-blowing.

Brieana Davis (Online Class) said...

My favorite show at the moment that has snatched just about all my free time is the show Suits. It is centered around a law firm in New York, and is focused on two specific lawyers that are big "closers". One who is very educated and has a Harvard law background, and the other is a college dropout who gets hired to work at this prestigious firm under the guise that he is a Harvard educated up and comer. The show tackles cases, and the hard part of trying to keep the secret that the new hire is not in fact a lawyer or even apart of the bar for that matter.

tayler pierson said...

Tayler P
11 a.m. MW class
I've recently loved the remake of " The Color of Purple" this movie is so motivating to me and has such a great storyline to tell. In this movie a black woman is put in jail for "disrespecting" the mayor's wife. If you watch the movie you begin to see how irrationally she was thrown in jail and how she was treated, and it is heartbreaking. I love this movie because it someone shows a positive change our legal system has made although it is far from perfect, we can thank the small changes that have affected our society as a whole.

Marrah Fuentes said...

Marrah F - Honors Class

My favorite law related artifact is a 2000s drama called 'Psych'! It's a hilarious show following Shawn Spencer, who assists the Santa Barbara police department in solving murders by faking psychic abilities, as his best friend, Burton Guster 'Gus', along for the ride. It's mostly focused on police proceedings and city politics, and I enjoy it because the humor is so timeless!

Sarah Lins said...

Sarah L. - 11 am MW
My favorite movie related to media law would be "Catch Me If You Can". This movie is based on a true story and follows Frank Abagnale Jr. (played by Leonardo DiCaprio) who poses as a pilot and forges multiple checks throughout the years stealing many identities. While this is taking place, FBI agent Carl Hanratty (played by Tom Hanks) is doing everything in his power to catch Frank but just can't seem to. This movie emulates the legal and prison systems, while also giving a look into what it is like to be an excellent law breaker and an FBI agent. "Catch Me If You Can" showcases many law topics I am sure we will cover throughout this semester in media law.

Kadence MaKenna said...


My favorite movie related to law is "Legally Blonde," it is a movie about a young woman who decides to go to law school after her preppy boyfriend breaks up with her for not acting "serious enough." It is a comedy and overall a heartwarming movie.

Kadence MaKenna said...

Kadence C -- online class

My favorite movie related to law is "Legally Blonde," it is a movie about a young woman who decides to go to law school after her preppy boyfriend breaks up with her for not acting "serious enough." It is a comedy and overall a heartwarming movie. Reese Witherspoon is also my favorite actress, so that's a plus also!

Anonymous said...

Hello my name is Madison Green (Honors class). My favorite show that is somewhat related to law would be Attack on Titan. The show follows cadets in the military living in a dystopia. Although it is not the main conflict, we see many problems in society furthered by the laws that enforce hierarchy. These laws enforce that certain people wear arm bands and live in a certain part of the city soley because of the race they are. Additionally it is against the law for race mixing. It is this legal discrimination that sets the story into motion.

Jenna Owens said...

Jenna Owens (JO) Media Law and Ethics MW at 11:00 a.m. in person/zoom.

Jenna Owens said...

Jenna Owens (JO) Media Law and Ethics MW in-person class


My favorite movie related to law is Legally Blonde. It's kind of cliché but I love it because she proves everyone wrong and shows how smart she is. It doesn't matter what's on the outside but rather the inside. With that not to judge people by their looks. I feel like it's so easy to see something or jump to conclusions. I heard a good quote about how you only know 5% of a person when you first meet them. So be kind and so love.

Keegan Tharp said...

Keegan Tharp Media Law MW 11am.
My favorite TV show related to law is Black Bird. This is a show based on actual events where a criminal is asked to transfer prisons to get another criminal to confess to multiple murders. In exchange for getting the criminal to confess, the government will pardon him for all crimes and let him out of prison. I love this show because it has everything I love, and it shows how stressed his lawyer can become during these situations and how the law can always be slightly bent.

Carson Adams Media Law 11am said...

My favorite movie related to law is When They See US which may be a hard watch for some but an essential learning point in history. The movie is about the "Central park five",five young black kids who were wrongfully convicted of a crime and coerced by the legal system.

Brooke Nielsen said...

Brooke Nielsen
Media Law Online
My favorite movie related to law is "Legally Blonde". I have always been stereotyped to be a "dumb blonde", so the movie resonates with me considering I really like being able to get my education and prove people wrong! Even though it is a silly movie, I like how it shows the balance between law, getting your education, and finding love as a women. I believe the movie conveys that women are just as smart no matter how they look or how they act.

Brienna Martinez said...

Brienna M 11AM MW class

My favorite TV show related to the law is Criminal Minds. It’s about a group of criminal profilers who work for the FBI in the Behavioral Analysis Unit. I like this show because it’s suspenseful and has a variety of cases. The show is very interesting and I would watch it with my mom a lot.

Brady Wallace said...

My favorite movie relating to law is Legally Blonde. It is a fun, lighthearted movie following the main character as she navigates law school when no one expects anything from her based on stereotypes. I have read articles about how this movie has inspired many women to get a law degree, even if others around them didn't think they were cut out for it.

Brady Wallace said...

MW 11 am

Madison Jones said...

My name is Madison Jones and Im in the MW 11am-12:20pm Media Law course. My favorite law related movie is Legally Blonde. The movie follows the story of a girl named Elle Woods who is attending Harvard Law School. This is a empowering movie that takes a stereotypical "dumb blonde" and proves that she is intelligent in the moments where she may not even think she is. I feel like this movie conveys a strong message of self-empowerment.

Landry Hardin said...

Landry Hardin 11am MW Class

My favorite law-related TV show is "How to Get Away with Murder". The show follows law professor and defense lawyer Annalise Keating, her 5 interns, and her colleagues as they manage to defend others and themselves as many problems arise. While I'm sure this show dramatizes the court system along with many other things, it's a very entertaining watch and makes you feel like you're involved in it.

Joaquin Salazar Herrera said...

My name is Joaquin Salazar Herrera, I am in the online class.
My favorite law-related media has to be "Ace Attorney" games. The games follow Phoenix Wright (and a few other characters) as he defends clients from being framed by the true culprits! It is a fun playthrough and one of the few law-related media that comes to mind with this question. And this one I really enjoy to play.

Allison D - 11MW said...

Allison D. 11am MW

My favorite movie that's related to law is called Miss Sloane. The story follows Elizabeth Sloane, a cutthroat lobbyist played by Jessica Chastain, who fights for a bill on gun control and orchestrates her success by playing both sides. Chastain is my favorite actress, and she really excels in this role. The movie is masterfully written though there's a good amount of jargon if you're unfamiliar with politics. The characters are well developed, and the plot twists keep you on the edge of your seat. I highly recommend the movie!

Ryan E. said...

Ryan E. in the online class

I think one of the best law-related shows in recent years is "When They See Us" about the true story of the Central Park Five. It's hard to call this show a favorite of mine because it is such a hard watch, but I still recommend it to everyone. The Central Park Five was a group of five young black men that were arrested and convicted to the rape and brutal beating of a white woman in Central Park in 1989, despite them having nothing to do with the event. Each one spent 6-13 years in prison before a serial rapist admitted to the crime and proved these boys innocent. It is one of the most aggravating stories to watch unfold and it's a very good example of police profiling black men, police intimidation, and forcing a false confession. Their work is lazy and sloppy and at the end of the day, they just want to pin the assault on these boys because of their skin color, which ultimately gets them convicted and robbed of their childhood. This show also goes into flaws of the legal system and abuse of power among police and officials. It's a very well-made show, but more than anything it really makes you feel intense emotions and come to new understandings.

Maya Marshall said...

Maya M- Online

My favorite tv show is “How to get away with murder”. “How to get away with murder is a legal thriller tv show that is about a law professor, Annalise Keating, and her students as they become entangled in real life criminal cases. The show explores the complexities of the legal system.I like this show because it consistently keeps you engaged with new scenarios and how the professor and student manage to get away with their crimes.

adreana mendoza said...

Adreana M- 11am MW
My favorite tv show about the law is " law and order svu". Law and oder is show biased on real crimes that have taken place and you are able to see the crime unfold from different points overview.

Chandler Knowles said...

Chandler Knowles- 11AM M/W Class:
My favorite movie relating to law is probably "Liar Liar", a 1997 comedy featuring Jim Carrey as a lawyer who, under the spell of his son's birthday wish, is unable to tell a lie for an entire day. Seeing as that day he had an important (guilty) client to represent, the movie follows a hilarious whirlwind of Carrey's character attempting to win a case without lying. If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend!

Logan Gordon said...

Hello everyone my name is Logan Gordon and I am in Media Law 4301 online.

My favorite TV show that is related to law is How To Get Away With Murder starring Viola Davis. The show is about a group of 5 law students who are picked to work for a big time lawyer, Annalise Keating. Every season is about of course someone being murdered and these students and Annalise do everything to cover it up and get away with murder. Throughout the show they all stay in law school and the workload gets worse and worse since they are full time students and work as intern lawyers full-time. The show is any and everything about being a lawyer and learning the laws. I loved this show because it is a very grabbing timeline and sucks in you and you never know what will happen next. As well as this Viola Davis performance in this show was incredible and got her an Oscar the way she took on the role took my breath away.

Elizabeth Roberts said...

Hi everyone! My name is Elizabeth Roberts (Liz) and I am in the online class.

My favorite TV show about the law is "Suits". It is about this man Mike Ross who has a photographic memory and always wanted to become a lawyer, but he got himself in a bad situation that prevented him. He manages to stumble upon a job interview with a top-rated New York law firm. Mike meets Harvey, a senior partner, and convinces him to hire him without passing the bar or having even gone to law school. It is a really good show and showcases a lot of depositions and legal jargon. Mike and Harvey become best friends and an iconic duo you learn to love.

Marine Griffaut said...

Marine Griffaut 11 AM M/W,

My favorite show that is related to law is Prison Break. I have watched this show couple time and each time I have understood the story better because of this kind of class. This show is about two brothers Lincoln and Micheal Scofield. One is in jail and about to go on he electric chair, the other brother is going to escape his brother. Throughout the show, we understand Lincoln shouldn't be executed since he is innocent. Micheal tries first to escape him out and then prove that his brother is innocent. This show shows all the procedures, and explain the laws. We also see a lot af lasers, police officers, judges.

Chloey Baker said...

Chloey B- M/W 11 am

My favorite law related movie is Just Mercy, starring Michael B. Jordan. The movie showcases a young lawyer in the south who begins representing those on death row. He ends up representing a man who has been wrongly accused and has to find a way to get him to be proven innocent before his death date. The movie really highlights the fact that there is still a lot of work to be done within the justice system.

Kaylie Kruk said...

Kaylie Kruk- 11am MW class

My favorite movie I have watched recently that was law related is the movie called "On the Basis of Sex". This movie articulates the early life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg and how she stood up for not only her right to be a female lawyer but also for all women's rights. She strives to get out from under her husband's shadow and takes on a case dealing with sex-based discrimination. I enjoyed watching it because it was very inspiring and powerful to see how RBG rose up the ranks during her early career and how she virtually changed the future of women's lives.

Chloe k. said...

Chloe K 11 a.m. MW

One of my favorite law related movies is “Training Day.” The movie follows a rookie LAPD narcotics officer, Ethan Hawke, that is teamed up with a corrupt officer, Denzel Washington. As their time together progresses, Hawke realizes that Washington’s character is extremely unethical and does not follow any rules of the law. Although this movie is not about a trial or something directly related to the law, it has themes of narcotic law and displays what not to do as a cop who is supposed to do good and enforce laws.

Angel V said...

Angel V MW 11am
I'm not familiar with many law-related movies, shows, or songs, but I can recall instances where law and law enforcement were portrayed in media. One example that comes to mind is "21 Jump Street," which might not be the first movie you associate with cops. In this film, two bad (bad as in dumb not corrupt) police officers are assigned to an undercover mission at a high school to expose a new drug on the streets. Another memory from my youth involves the animated movie "Haunted House," where two police officers play into the classic dumb cop stereotype and, unfortunately, end up being eaten by the haunted house. For some reason at the moment, I can only think of situations where cops were used for comic relief.

Chandler C. said...

Chandler C. MW 11am
One of my favorite movies at the moment, is called, :White House Down," which is about terrorists attacking the White House, while working with the Vice President of the White House trying to all take down the President. One scene in particular, the President was pronounced dead, so the Vice President automatically steps in. The order given was to release bombs or missiles in regards to take down the terrorists. Time is ticking, and the security team needs the VP's approval to launch this mission, which puts pressure on him, as well as the team.

Anonymous said...

This is one of my favorite series of all times!

Anonymous said...

Hi…My name is Mabel Mba and there are quite a few movies I enjoy related to laws. A few are How To Get Away With Murder, Suits and Scandal. I will speak about ‘Suits’ featuring Harvey Specter and Jessica Pearson and Michael Ross. This series ‘Suits’ is a depiction of law firms, lawyering events as they take on litigation cases and pre-litigation challenges. I would consider it rather unrealistic as lawyers usually specialize in a practice area but in Suits, they took on any and every case and solved them in hours or 2 days maximum. Cases in reality are usually not solved this quickly. Micheal Ross also practiced law, represented himself in court cases, defended clients in civic securities actions. All done illegally which in itself is against the law. The firm also only employed Harvard graduates…So unrealistic!
However, I like that it passes a message that an experienced and proven paralegal can be more valuable to a law office than a green associate.
On a lighter note, I love that they portrayed paralegals as fashionable and sexy!

Anonymous said...


Jhorden T. MW 11am

"Suits" on Netflix is hands down my favorite show. It revolves around the hustle and bustle of a prestigious New York City corporate law firm. The main character, Mike Ross, is a standout with his extraordinary photographic memory. What's interesting is that he manages to secure a job as an associate working for the sharp and successful attorney Harvey Specter, even though he dropped out of college and never went to law school.

Mike has this incredible ability to talk his way into situations, and the show delves into the challenges and triumphs he faces in the legal world. What makes it even more intriguing is that, as a college dropout, he's navigating through the intricacies of a high-stakes law firm, going up against seasoned lawyers and tackling complex cases.

One of the unique aspects of the storyline is that Mike has never officially attended law school. Instead, he's relied on his photographic memory and even taken the LSAT multiple times as an illegal proxy, achieving remarkably high scores. His journey also includes passing the New York State Bar Exam.

What draws me to "Suits" is the way it unravels the so-called real-world problems faced by lawyers. It's like a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the legal profession, showcasing the strategic thinking, quick wit, and tenacity required to navigate through complex legal matters. The dynamic between Mike and Harvey adds an extra layer of excitement, making it a compelling watch.

As someone interested in law or just fascinated by how legal professionals handle challenging situations, "Suits" provides an entertaining and thought-provoking exploration of the legal world. Each episode unfolds with new dilemmas, ethical quandaries, and clever solutions that keep me hooked and eager to see how these characters navigate the intricacies of being lawyers in the fast-paced environment of a New York law firm.

Parker Gregg said...

Parker G. 11AM MW

In terms of my favorite law related media. I must admit I don't have any particular favorites if I am being perfectly honest. However, I am quite a big fan of various classic Noir films and detective films or even anything in those partical styles. I just have always been a sucker for the classic 1920's to 1930's prohibition era styles. From mafia films to classic retro animation of steamboat willie and the like. There is just something so fascinating to me about this bygone era that wasn't too far off from our own yet feels so gritty and real. Along with having some parallels with our own. I often wonder if something got lost along the way. No doubt these old times have problems, boat loads even. But I do wonder if there is some spirit of the old times that is just missing in the modern day.

Laura Restrepo Posada said...

Laura R. 11:00 a.m. M/W class

My favorite audiovisual piece related to law is the documentary called “13th” on Netflix. Directed by Emmy award winner Ava Marie DuVernay, the documentary explores the history of racial inequality in the United States and how these precedents shape the meaning of the 13th amendment and how it’s used to perpetuate racial oppression through the prison system. This documentary makes you rethink whether slavery still exists today but in a different way. As a foreigner, this documentary helped me understand more about this silent issue in this country, in addition to understanding the historical and current context to comprehend why it continues to happen, suggesting a multimillion-dollar business in the prison system and the racial inequality it generates.

Faith Hoover said...

Faith H. 11a.m. MW class

My favorite law-related media piece is the book "To Kill a Mockingbird". It has been a while since I last read this book, but I remember having very strong emotions while reading this book. When I'm reading it is hard for me to become truly invested in a book, so there are only a few books that I call a favorite. And "To Kill a Mockingbird" is a book that I was able to become truly invested in while reading. "To Kill a Mockingbird" is about Atticus Finch who is a white attorney who is trying to prove the innocence of Tom Robinson who was a Black man unjustly accused of a crime. This book is related to law because it tells a story that is based on the civil rights and racism of the 1930s in the southern United States.

riley grafe said...

Riley Grafe M/W 11 am class

My favorite law-related show would have to be Law and Order. I have watched so many episodes now, I feel like I could be a cop or a lawyer! In every show, I feel like I learn something new about the law or rights you have in court on certain trials. It's more educational to me now than watching it for entertainment. I have learned more about the legal procedures. courtroom dynamics, and realistic scenarios that go on in this world today. I understand it's more for TV but I get a glimpse into the legal system and viewing the criminal justice system.

Isabella Rohlik said...

Hello, my name is Isabella Rohlik from Tues/Thurs Honors Free Speech Press. Though neither legislation nor litigation is the central focus in the book I have selected, All the Light We Cannot See details the story of the French resistance during WWII in the occupied city of Saint-Malo from the perspective of a young blind girl; her and her father must confront the political climate which threatened the safety and security of her life and her father's livelihood. The novel explores the concepts of humanity, the tragedy of war, hope, and resistance during an incredibly dangerous political era. The laws at play and the enforcement of occupation throughout the story both portray a depiction of how the Nazi occupation impacted residents of the country, and draws interesting parallels between that time period and current political conflicts happening today. The press and newspapers are incredibly relevant throughout the story, as well as pamphlets and other kinds of media.

Cate Niegos said...

"The Green Mile" by Stephen King is a story where the main character is on death row for murdering two young girls. It turns out that he has supernatural healing abilities and was trying to save their lives.

Silver Castillo said...

Silver Castillo-M, W 11am

My favorite law related movie would have to be, “blood in blood out”. It is a crime drama that involves gang rivalries. Miklo, the main character finds himself in prison and participates in a gang to survive prison. His cousin, Paco, a cop investigates these gangs and finds it shocking when he hears Miklo is behind all of this. This film is very emotional and suspenseful, a great watch!

Piper Baldwin said...

Piper B. - M/W 11 A.M

My favorite law related movie is "Legally Blonde". Elle Woods is a stereotypical blonde sorority girl who gets dumped by her boyfriend because he wants someone more serious as he begins law school at Harvard. In hopes of winning him back, Elle enrolls at Harvard. She faces challenges due to her professors and peers doubting her based off her pink outfits and blonde hair. Long story short, she gets involved in a high profile legal case and wins. This is such a fun movie.

Wesley Hajek said...

Wesley H - 11 a.m. M/W

My favorite law related TV show is Law and Order: Special Victims Unit (SVU). It is one of the longest running TV shows in the U.S. Law and Order SVU has been running for twenty-five seasons and just started the 25th season last week. Each episode ecompasses a crime, where the NYPD's Special Victim Unit solves the crime. Most of the crimes that the SVU solves are sex-involved crimes like sexual assault and special victims. Lieutenant Olivia Benson, the lead character; is the longest running character in TV history.

Lauren Vining said...

My favorite law related movie is Legally Blonde. This movie shows a sorority girl attending Harvard law school and absolutely thriving in this environment. At first, the only reason she was attending was to be closer to her ex boyfriend, but then she quickly realizes her passion for the law and starts focusing on her future and ends up being an amazing student who goes onto winning her first case with her knowledge of beauty rules. I want to go to law school after my bachelor degree and i’m also in a sorority and feel like people are quick to judge so i’ve always connected with Reese Witherspoon’s character, Elle Woods.

Keilani De Luna said...

Keilani De Luna 11a.am. M/W

A recent show I started watching and have been obsessed with is Suits. The series revolves around a college dropout named Mike Ross, who starts working as a law associate for Harvey Specter, despite never having attended law school. Mike has a photographic memory and an exceptional ability to retain information, which allows him to pose as a Harvard Law School graduate. Together, Harvey and Mike form a successful and unconventional legal team at the prestigious law firm Pearson Specter

Asia Cathey said...

Asia Cathey : Honors Free Speech Press TTR 9:30am

Suits has been my favorite law related TV show lately. Suits is a legal drama that focuses on the character Mike Ross who is a college dropout that has exceptional photographic memory. He words at a prestigious law firm that is ran by an also brilliant lawyer, Harvey Specter. It is my favorite because it is a combination of legal drama, legal cases, character development and the overall pursuit of success within law. It also includes so much humor which elevates it even more.

Kaitlin de la Rosa said...

Kaitlin D. Online Class
One of my favorite TV shows is Law and Order SVU. The show follows the detectives of the New York Special Victims Unit as they solve crimes. Not only do you get to see the detectives work through the case, but you also get to see the legal proceedings that take place. This show offers a unique insight into law enforcement.

Hailey Cook said...

Hailey Cook: M/W 11am

My favorite law related movie/book would have to be "Where the Crawdads Sing." The plot explores themes of loneliness, love, and the impact of societal prejudice. As Kya, the main character, becomes a suspect in the murder investigation of a boy she was involved with in the past, the story unfolds, revealing the secrets of her past and the mystery surrounding the death of Chase Andrews.

Nathan Chastine said...

Nathan Chastine: Online Class

My favorite law related piece of media has to be the self titled record "Rage Against The Machine". A classic rock record which openly speaks out against the system is a big statement that we don't see to this scale anymore. Not only does Rage speak out against injustice in the American Law system, but they also made a really kick ass record.

Monica Campos Salgado said...

Monica Campos Salgado
11a.m MW class

When I first started college my major was social work, not advertisement. Specifically I was interested in working for CPS. I love kids and helping the most vulnerable ones was always something that I felt really passionately in. As time went on I realized that although CPS has great intentions, its a career field where employees are overworked and where the system continuously fails the children they are claiming to protect. I dont want to say its my favorite because that would imply that I love or enjoy what this film has, but its one that has left the strongest impression on me. So much that it helped me change my major. And that is the 2020 Netflix document series The Trials of Gabriel Fernández that details the murder of Gabriel Fernandez and subsequent responses by the media and local government. This series highlights how 8 year old Gabriel was being severely abused by his parents, and points out the lack of legal intervention even tough the abuse was clear. This abuse leading to his tragic death. CPS workers continuously visited the home and were even alerted by the teachers that there was clear abuse in the boys house but they failed to remove him. I think that this series and many others highlight how the legal system fails children. It also touches on criminal liability for child abuse and how that should or should not apply to the workers who failed Gabriel.

Shelby Zirkle said...

Shelby Z- 11am class

My favorite law show was and still is, judge Judy. She was always so fun to watch even when i was younger. What I liked about her show is how she had a sense of humor. I started watching her when I was in middle school, at first it was just because it was always on the channel her show ran on. Then once I sat down and actually watched it, and ended up 5 episodes in because I liked it so much. It is a show where people bring their disputes to her, and she listens to both sides before making a ruling. She is really known for her sharp attitude and handles a variety of cases. Even though it is not a real court room, the show is worth watching for some entertainment.

Zane Forsberg, MW 11:00am said...

My favorite show relating to the law is definitely "Better Call Saul," the prequel series to Breaking Bad following Jimmy McGill before he became Saul Goodman. The most obvious connection to the show is that Jimmy, both before the events of the show and during it, performs slip and fall scams both to get money and to blackmail people into doing what he wants. He does it so often that his brother Chuck refers to him as "Slippin Jimmy." It's one of the many examples of the conflict between Jimmy and Chuck. Chuck is a zealot of the law and believes in it as a matter of principle, while Jimmy uses the law as nothing other than a tool, repeatedly abusing it for his own gain. He also goes outside the law to make use of it, such as giving his brother's confidential medical information to his brother's insurance company, leading to Chuck's firing from his own law firm. The show is about how both of these systems of belief are wrong, with Jimmy's eventually leading him to become Saul Goodman, the morally compromised criminal lawyer we see in Breaking Bad, and Chuck's stubbornness and commitment to the law leading to him to destroy every meaningful connection he's ever had in his life, eventually becoming victim to the law that he fervently upheld for so many years.

Rachel Epstein M W 11 o'clock said...

Rachel Epstein, Monday Wednesday 11 AM

My favorite movie related to the law is legally blonde. The movie follows Ell woods as she applies to and completes law school. The most notable part pertaining to law in this movie is the trial at the end. A famous fitness instructor was accused of killing her husband. She refused to provide an alibi but also it's not guilty. Ell got her to admit her alibi which was that she was getting liposuction. Then she proceeded to prove that the daughter was guilty of killing the husband. She did this by going over the timeline of the daughter shower with the fact that she got a perm. Overall this movie was silly and fun. I'm not sure how realistic it was in aloft sitting but i enjoyed it.

Anonymous said...

Sydney Farr, MW 11am Class

My favorite law-related media piece is a television show titled "Suits", this show has a modern take on balancing morality and ethics within your profession. Suits focuses on a man gifted with a photographic memory playing the role of a lawyer, however this man is not certified to practice law within his state. The aforementioned lawyer focuses heavily on trials that have to deal with ethical dilemmas between two corporate entities. However, with every trial he completes the risk of getting caught increases. So, while he believes he is doing good, if he gets caught all that good will be reversed and will actually end up harming his community. It is this dynamic that makes the show so interesting to me.

Anonymous said...

Gian C. 11A.M. MW Class

My favorite show relating to law would be "Castle". It was a show that aired on the ABC TV network from 2009-2016. I loved watching that show because of the creative storylines. The main character "Castle" is a fictional crime author who experiences writer's block for his next novel and uses his popularity/celebrity status to shadow NYPD homicide detectives and help them solve murders around New York city as inspiration for his books. I love how it relates to this class since the character Castle is a part of the media and has a direct affect on the law in regards to criminal law.

Kylie C said...

11 a.m. MW
Kylie C.

My favorite TV show related to law has to be "How To Get Away With Murder" (2014). Viola Davis is probably one of my favorite actresses of all time, and HTGAWM is one of my rainy-day comfort shows. HTGAWM is complex and unique, setting it apart from other law-related media. The contant fight for "the lesser of the evils" is a recurring theme thoughout the progam. Meaning that no one is ever truly innocent and everyone's dark truth will always come to light.
Annalise Keating (Viola Davis), is portrayed as an ingenious and talented professor of defense law, teaches a class called How to Get Away With Murder. Annalise, also a criminal defense attorney, selects a group of her best students to assist with cases at her firm.
As someone who is aspiring to go to law school, the law students in the show all provided a different perception of their journey to becoming a lawyer. Instead of it being a professional setting (which is what one would assume from that career field) the show is full of scandal and mystery in and out of the courtroom. It also explores the complex and sometimes corrupt environment of politics and the legal community.

Anabelle G said...

Anabelle G. 11 a.m. MW

My favorite movie that is related to the law is Legally Blonde. The movie is just so iconic, and the costuming is phenomenal. No matter how many times I watch Legally Blonde it never gets old. The story follows Elle Woods who is dumped by her boyfriend because he feels she is not serious enough for him, since he plans to go into politics after finishing Harvard law school. In an effort to win him back Elle enrolls in Harvard law school as well. Despite the rough transition Elle eventually establishes herself at her new school and works a case alongside her professor and classmates. By the end of the movie Elle has demonstrated her intelligence and ability to be an effective lawyer.

Juliet Cano said...

Juliet C - Honors Free Speech and Free Press

My favorite show that I've watched in relation to law would have to be Law and Order SVU, and Criminal Minds (if that counts). I've always found shows about law and crime interesting, especially in relation to more serious cases, as these shows dive into. I always prefer more dramatic media because I find them to be more interesting, so that's why these are my favorite!

Morgan P - 11am MW said...

My favorite TV show that is related to law, is 9-1-1. The show is very nail biting, and always has me on my toes. Every episode is a different 911 call, ones you don't typically hear. For example, there was one episode where a teenage boy stole his dad's 1970 sports car, and the gear got stuck to where he was speeding. He is then being chased by police for speeding, but he couldn't stop nor slow down. So, the teenage boy called the police because he was being chased by the police, and he was not able to stop. LOL!

Anonymous said...

Jackson B - Honors Free Speech and Free Press

My favorite play related to the law (sort of) is the "Orestia" trilogy by Aeschylus. The plays concern the murder of Agamemnon by his traitorous wife, the revenge killing against the wife by her own son Orestes, and the pursuit of Orestes by the harpies for killing one's parent. This all culminates in the first legal court trial in Greek tradition, where Orestes is put on trial for the murder of his mother. While Orestes in guilty of the crime, it is also noted how it was correct filial piety to get revenge for the wrongful murder of his father by his mother. What I enjoy so much about this trilogy is how it establishes the judicial culture and traditions of much of Western thought by declaring it a domain of mythology; or rather, from man's early attempts to understand the cosmos and himself he credits the law to the most important category, the divine.

Keegan L said...

Keegan L M/W 11am

My favorite TV show related to law would definitely be Criminal Minds. Although in some episodes it can be a little cringy or unrealistic it is really entertaining. Basically, there is a group of people working for the BAU and each day they have a new case and they're trying to find the "unsub". I also like it because it breaks down the behavior of the unsub and I find it interesting to see how people's past reflects their behavior and how they committed certain crimes.

Ryan R said...

My favorite show that is related to law is "Better Call Saul" a show that is a prequel to the acclaimed show "Breaking Bad" It follows Jimmy McGill, aka Saul Goodman and his upbringing in becoming a lawyer gone corrupt. It is a lot slower paced than the original show it is built off of but it still gives us an incredible dive into a character we see unfold over the course of the show, leading up to what happens to him after the ending of Breaking Bad.

- Ryan R
M/W 11 am

Anonymous said...

Simon Kinski - Honors Free Speech Class

This is a tough one for me to decide, but what is likely my favorite piece of law-related media right now is Harper Lee’s “To Kill A Mockingbird.” This book followed the story of Scout Finch, who lived in Maycomb, Alabama during the middle of the Depression. This was a story also centered around family, showing her brother, Jem, and her father Atticus. Atticus, an attorney, defends Tom Robinson, a young black man who was falsely accused of rape. This story was particularly memorable because of its discussions on race and justice.

Admittedly, after reading a lot of the replies, and after repeated requests from some of my friends, I feel like I need to watch Legally Blonde now.

Sam Mayes said...

One of my favorite shows related to law is Twin Peaks. I wouldn't say this show is entirely about law, but there are certainly big elements involving the law. The show follows the murder investigation of 17 year old Laura Palmer in a small town called Twin Peaks. One of the main characters in the show is the FBI agent Dale Cooper, who conducts lots of investigations and gathers evidence throughout the show trying to solve the case. David Lynch is one of my favorite directors, I really appreciate his unique style of directing, he has created some beautiful and iconic film and TV throughout his career.

MW 11 AM

Andrea Narro said...

Andrea Narro MW 11am
One of my favorite tv shows related to law is “criminal minds”. i’m not really into law tv shows, however, this one really caught my attention and I really enjoy it. It’s about a group of FBI agents, and it follows all of their cases, the amazing thing about this show is that every episode is 30min long and there’s always different cases. Each episode starts with a new kind of crime and how they can solve it. They don’t have a specific setting which means all of the cases are in different states/ cities.

Felicity Guajardo said...

Felicity G. Honors Class

My favorite show of all time is Breaking Bad-- however, the spinoff to this show is called Better Call Saul which follows the story of crooked attorney Jimmy McGill, who is a supporting character in Breaking Bad. In Better Call Saul, there are many flashes of the future where Jimmy has changed his identity and fled New Mexico due to his criminal activity while he was a practicing attorney. This prequel all leads up to the character arc of Saul Goodman which becomes Jimmy's alias when he returns to law.

I love the drama of this show and how there are intricate storylines woven within that later piece the story all together. The storytelling in Better Call Saul conjures up a bigger picture and I really enjoy it.

Will Gregg said...

One of my favorite representations of law in media would have to be in the tv show Breaking Bad. More specifically Hank Schrader, a DEA agent. He is the Anti-Hero’s brother in law who is tracking the case his brother in law is running. The show brilliantly shows the efforts that these agents go to and the mental anguish that comes alongside with it. It also accurately represents the methods and ways DEA agents go about handling cases, I personally think the show is brilliant.

Emma Turner said...

Emma Turner MW 11
My favorite book that is related to law is "The Perfect Marriage" by Jeneva Rose. It's about a woman that is a lawyer and is trying to defend her husband in court for the murder of his mistress. There's so many twists and turns throughout the book and it is my all time favorite book.

Anonymous said...

Kennedy J MW 11
My favorite law show/ movie is criminal minds because the show is very versatile and they study different cases every episode. It’s primarily focused around a group of special FBI agents who hunt down typically serial killers. I love true crime so this show really peaks my interest. I love how criminal minds goes over some real cases as well.

Anonymous said...


Rochelle A Section 280/Online MC 4301
My favorite show about the law would be Law and Order Special Victims Unit. This drama series contains 25 seasons and 540 episodes. I grew up watching this show with my mom and its always been a favorite. Every episode covers a new case and usually has a good ending with capturing the predator. Law and Order SVU is about these detectives who are part of the New York Police Department and investigate crimes involved with any sexual circumstances.

Gabrielle Torres said...

Gabrielle Torres- MW 11am
My favorite show of all time is Law and Order: SVU. I fell in love with this show because of the character Olivia Benson. The show released in 1999 and till has seasons premiering this year. I like the3 show because the SVU part basically means that most of the cases on the show are particular cases about rape or domestic violence. These group of detectives work hard solving the case as well as winning it in court which helps show the process of these matters. I also love this show because each episode covers a new case which means you can start or watch an episode from any season and not be lost.

Anonymous said...

Zach Zapata -online
One of my favorite shows related to law is "Suits." It's a captivating legal drama that revolves around a talented college dropout, Mike Ross, who starts working as a law associate for Harvey Specter, one of New York City's top attorneys, despite lacking a law degree. The show follows Mike and Harvey as they navigate the high-stakes world of corporate law, taking on complex cases while managing personal and professional challenges. What I love about "Suits" is its dynamic characters, witty dialogue, and intricate plotlines that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The legal battles, ethical dilemmas, and power struggles depicted in the series offer a fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of a law firm, making it a favorite among legal drama enthusiasts like myself.

Anonymous said...

Keyona Williams (Online)
My favorite show related to law would be the rotten mangos podcast hosted by Stephanie Soo. The premise of the podcast is her retelling the timeline major crimes, and the crimes she covers are usually super out of the ordinary or high profile overseas cases. She puts a lot of research into the cases, and way she retells them are really interesting so I enjoy hearing her perspectives on the crimes.

Katie Rzepniewski- MW class 11 AM said...

My favorite movie that is law related would have to be "legally blonde" as their is such a trend with putting blondes in a category of being "dumb" due to the color of their hair. This movie shows Elle Woods who is the main character who proves to her ex boyfriend she is smart enough to succeed in Harvard Law School. She ends up getting a degree and becomes a successful lawyer and shows that the stereotype about dumb blondes is ultimately not true.

Anonymous said...

Lexi Best- Online
My favorite law tv show is Law and Order SVU. I have watched almost every episode of their incredible 24 season run. Season 25 is in the works btw. As SVU stands for special victims unit, Law and Order SVU focuses on sex crimes and special cases in the 16th precinct in New York City. The show also has one of the best female lead characters in tv history.

Anonymous said...

Jayy C - 11AM MW
My favorite movie related to the law is Legally Blonde. It inspired me that not all lawyers look and act the same, and reminded me that if i out my heart into anything i can achieve it. in the movie she goes to low school and even though most people don’t believe she can prove herself as a lawyer, she wins a big case and proves everyone wrong in the end.

Anonymous said...

Alejandro M- 11a.m. MW class
My favorite film related to the law is "to kill a mockingbird" because it talks about issues about racism, false accusations, and corruptness in courts. Although the film took place in the early 30s in America. These injustices still occur today. In the film it talks about how a black man was accused of rap*ng a white woman. we later find out that the woman was the one to make a move on the man but the case ultimately still charged the man and sentenced him. In history cases like this happened a lot and seeing this film it makes you think how we have and haven't changed in our society.

Anonymous said...

Kathryn B. MW 11 a.m.

One of my favorite books that is related to law is "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee. This classic is a favorite because of its powerful exploration of racial injustice, morality, and the legal system. The narrative is both compelling and thought-provoking, offering a touching commentary on societal norms and prejudices.

"To Kill a Mockingbird" follows the Finch family primarily through the eyes of young Scout Finch. When Tom Robinson is falsely accused of raping a woman, Scout's father Atticus Finch decides to defend him. The novel delves into the deeply rooted racial tensions and challenges the flawed legal system.

Anonymous said...

Emma Brown-Online Mc5313
My favorite piece of media related to law is a TV series called "Better Call Saul." It is the spinoff series to the popular show Breaking Bad, following the lawyer Saul Goodman and his journey from court-appointed public defender to notorious lawyer of the cartel. It is interesting to see his character's journey through the legal system, and I love the drama. I would definitely recommend this show.

Michael Holcomb (Online Async) said...

Michael Holcomb (Online Asynchronous) MC4301.280

One of my favorite shows relating to law would have to be Narcos as well as the spin-off Narcos: Mexico. I understand a lot of is dramatized for Hollywood purposes but the show did give me a good look into politics in Columbia, Mexico, and the United States throughout the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s. In the original series, it recounted how Pablo Escobar was able to get into Columbia's congress. Later in the series, it showed the complexities of extradition, which is essentially when a crime is committed in one jurisdiction but law enforcement elsewhere attempts to bring in the criminal to their justice system. Narcos: Mexico also explains the formation of the DEA in the United States and it was interesting to see how that sector of the government was able to grow in influence over time. I have always been facsinated with true crime-related stories, so I was pretty drawn to this series from the start and between these two shows, there are six seasons to watch.

Michael'a Langston said...

Every one of my favorite shows, movies, and books is relatively lawless. I never noticed until this blog post how much i prefer shows where the people have no rules like post-apocalyptic, Walking Dead, adventure time, and things like that. I watch some 48 hours hard evidence and that might be the closest thing to law and even then that is a stretch. I could say that there are laws in different parts of the shows I mentioned but they aren't US laws so what good would that be. I think I need to watch some more movies or shows with law I am lacking in this category big time!

Christa B - online said...

Christa B - Online

One of my favorite shows with the theme of law is Lincoln Lawyer on Netflix. The show is based on two lawyers in Los Angeles but ultimately focuses on Mickey Haller, a defense attorney who is getting back into the law world after an accident. It is tough to describe too much without spoiling, but is a nice mix of drama and thrill. I enjoy it for the comedy as well, and the characters are well-written. The best part is that it is hard to stop watching and the twists can be surprising.

William Eugene-Onyejiaka said...

William Eugene-Onyejiaka - HON

One of my favorite TV Shows is Designated Survivor. The premise of the show is that the HUD secretary ascends to the presidency after a terrorist attack assassinates the US Congress, Supreme Court, cabinet, and president. The new president must navigate foreign policy, political collapse, and the pressures of public opinion.

Kira Fincher-MW 11a.m said...

My favorite show related to law is Criminal Minds. There are sixteen seasons, the first one being filmed in 2005. It is about a FBI unit with criminal profilers apart of the behavioral analysis unit. This team helps investigate murders and solve almost if not all of them. You can watch it on almost any streaming service and the episodes are 40 minutes long. They are currently filming season seventeen and I have binged watched every other season so I am very excited for the new season to come out.

Regan Price said...

Regan P - MW Class

My favorite law related movie, and the earliest one I can remember, is "Legally Blonde". This movie is my favorite because of the underdog story it has. My favorite part was when Elle won the trial with her knowledge. It is a very entertaining movie and it gave me a basic idea of how law school is and how a trial typically works.

radley401 said...

Bradley G - MW Class

In season 6, episode 12 of Adventure Time, Jake's profound interpretation of the law resonated with me. When Marceline sells the deed to Finn and Jake's beloved treehouse to Kim Kil Whan, Finn finds himself perplexed by the situation. It's here that Jake steps in to provide a crucial lesson on the nature of law, delivering a poignant reflection on societal dynamics.

"Man, don't you know?" Jake begins, his words carrying weight and wisdom. "The law ain't made to help earthy cats like us. Here on our planet, back in the old days - back in the real old days - it was just every man for himself, scrooblin' and scrat-scroblin' for the good stuff, the greenest valleys." Jake's imagery transports us to a primal era where survival of the fittest reigned supreme.

"The strongest, meanest men got the best stuff. They got the green valleys and were like 'The rest of you, y'all scrats get sand.'" Here, Jake vividly illustrates the disparity between the privileged few and the marginalized many, a timeless theme echoed throughout human history.

"And that's when they made the laws, you see? Once the strong guys got it how they liked it, they said 'This is fair now, this is the law.' Once they were winning, they changed the rules up."

In Jake's astute observation lies a stark truth about the nature of law: it often serves the interests of those in power, legitimizing and perpetuating existing inequalities. Through this lens, Adventure Time offers a commentary on the complexities of governance and justice, inviting viewers to critically examine the systems that govern their own lives.

Jake's reflection on the law in Adventure Time serves as a thought-provoking reminder of the inherently flawed nature of legal systems and the importance of questioning authority. As we navigate our own material realities, may we remain vigilant in challenging injustice and advocating for a more equitable world.

Uchenna Ofobuzo said...

Uchenna O. Online Class

My favorite law-related show is mindhunter. Mindhunter is so good but dark that the main actor doesn't mind the show getting canceled because the show is heavy. The show features two FBI agents who interview serial killers so that they can understand the psychology of why they behave the way that they behave. This show is so well shot and talks about different charges and degrees of crime of well-known serial killers. It shows the beginning of how FBI agents began to understand the psyche of criminals before the world knew what "profiling" was. Such a good show, I highly recommend it!

Kylie Moore said...

Kylie Moore- MW 11 am

My favorite law-related show is criminal minds. It follows a team called the "Behavioral Analysis Unit" in the FBI that gets called to assist local police departments, usually with serial killers, kidnappings and terroristic threats. They use their knowledge of behavior and body language or what they call "profiling" to track down the unknown subject. It is very interesting because it follows a new un-sub each episode, and you get to see how they put the pieces together to solve the case.

Natalie Cohen said...

Natalie C.-- 11 a.m. MW class

My favorite books and movies are The Hunger Games. The series is related to the law because it explores government and power abuse, social injustice, lack of free speech, propaganda, etc. I know the story is much more dramatic and fictional than real life, however, it does still bring up discussions about real-world legal concepts.
The Hunger Games is a dystopian story that takes place in Panem, a country divided by 12 districts, ruled by the tyrannical President Snow. Every year, one boy and one girl under the age of 18 from each district are chosen at random to fight to the death in an arena. It is an intense and exhilarating story about survival and rebellion.

Ari B said...

Ari B. 11am MW Class

The most recent show that I have watched that involves law is called Suits. I recently came across the show one day while I was scrolling through Netflix. I have always had an interest in shows that involve the law and how they deal with cases. This show in particular is about a character named Mike Ross who is posing as a lawyer who graduated from Harvard. He convinces his boss, Harvey Specter, into letting him work at the firm after he outsmarts him on a quick quiz based off of a law book. After years of getting away with practicing at the firm, Mike ends up getting convicted and it sentenced to serve in prison. This law firm had mainly worked with big name companies and clients to keep their status as the number one law firm in New York City. Sadly, the show has ended and all I have left is to rewatch it.

sergio sanchez said...

Sergio S. 11a.m. M/W class

My favorite show that is related to law is called Suites. Ive read some of the other responses and have seen quite a few others using this show as an example. I'm doing the same just because it's too relatable to not. I love this show because of it's dramatic and suspenseful array of events that occur regularly that make me never want to stop watching. In short, Suites is about a college drop out who finessed his way into one of the biggest law firms in the city working as a corporate lawyer. He was able to accomplish such a crazy task due to the fact that he is also a genius with a photographic memory. He often uses his gift to crush his competition and anyone who gets in his way.

Camden Horton said...

Camden H- M/W 11am

My favorite show related to law is "Mind Hunter" which does such a great job at showing start of modern day serial killer profiling. It follows FBI agents Holden Ford and Bill Tech as they attempt to understand and catch serial killers by studying their minds and psyches. It really digs in to why these monsters do the terrible things they do. There is currently two seasons on Netflix and I would recommend it to anyone interested in crime or serial killer documentaries.

griffin corley said...

Griffin Corley, MW 11am

A favorite song of mine relating to law is “I Shot the Sheriff” by Bob Marley. Bob Marley makes claims in the song that he shot a sheriff in the means of self defense, yet he’s still being hunted down as a criminal. The story roots from him being shamed for planting his “seeds” which leads to an altercation with a sheriff who draws his gun on Bob. In an act of self defense, Bob shot the sheriff and fled from town. Even though it’s fiction, I hope, it sets a great example of second amendment rights being infringed upon as Bob is declared guilty without clear evidence. Also it’s a great song by a very influential activist of human rights in the 20th century.

Kendall Perkinson said...

My favorite show that is related to law is the Netflix series "Suits". It is a 9 season glimpse into the legal world of professional and personal dilemmas. The basis of the show is about a dropout named Mike Ross who has a photographic memory getting involved with the top notch lawyer Harvey Spector and begins working for his huge firm without ever receiving a degree or attending law school. I have watched the show through twice now, once alone and again with family, and the cases and drama never get old. It dissects a lot of legal practices and allows a lot of insight on law professions pas well topics of confidentiality and morality.

Anonymous said...

Joss F- Online
I don’t think I watch many law themed movies or shows, but one of my favorite shows, “The Fosters” does deal with the law frequently. The show follows Callie Jacobs as she is moved into a new foster home after being in juvie for damaging her former foster dads car. Throughout the first few season Callie is thrown many obstacles that get in the way of being adopted by her most recent foster family. The show showcases the foster system and how broken it is as well as sheds light on other broken areas of the justice system. I became a fan of “The Fosters” a while ago, but I have rewatched it many times since.

Anonymous said...

Alisha A. - Online
A show that I like that is related to law is Law and Order Special Victims Unit. It is a crime drama TV series that takes place in New York City. It follows a team of detectives who investigate sexually based criminal offenses. The episodes are often based on true stories. Though it has been a while since I have watched the series I watched a lot of it in high school. I was introduced to the show in my high school sociology class, where we would watch it all the time.

Anonymous said...

Kylie H- MW 11a.m.

My favorite law-related show is "Better Call Saul" it is about the rise and fall of the "criminal" lawyer, Jimmy McGill. In an attempt to become a successful lawyer Jimmy becomes slowly more corrupt and uses the law to do so. I like this show because like its predecessor, "Breaking Bad" it shows the evolution of moral degradation within the right circumstances, with a character that balances humor with drama.

Anonymous said...

Nicholas F. - Online Class

My favorite books series that is related to law is Scythe. This book is a Dystopian novel that is set in the future where our world has solved every single one of man kinds issues (including death) and thus, the society has elected "Scythes" who must choose who lives and who dies because, our planet cannot allow everyone to live. While it may discuss fictional law, the book delves into tons of bureaucratic issues and real world political issues like a bi-partisian divide and nepotism.

Joshua Neves said...

MW 11.a.m.

My favorite media related to law would have to be criminal minds, which follows the behavior analysis unit in the FBI. While it may not revolve around the court cases that the investigations lead to, it still centers around gathering evidence to build a case against a suspect. This show has moved to Paramount + which makes me sad, because now I need another subscription besides Netflix.

Taylor Alexis Warner said...

My favorite TV show in relation to Law is Law and Order Special Victims unit. This show has been on for 25 seasons and each episode has a different storyline and shows the crime and then the process that goes to solve it. I enjoy this show because it has a clear and easy-to-follow storyline and sheds light on the pros and cons of our legal system.

Taylor Alexis Warner
Online

Anonymous said...

My favorite movie that is related to law is Just Mercy. It is about the wrongly convicted people that get placed on death row. More specifically it is about Alabama and the racism behind death row. This movie is my favorite movie that is related to law because you see how the law and people can be tricky by bending words or finding "loopholes". You also see how a law can effect a person even after being sentenced and their trial is over. This tells me that the laws we decide are one not perfect and two that we need to change.

-Angel Morales 11 a.m. MW class

Skylar Snelson said...

My favorite TV that is related to law is a tried and true, Law And Order SVU. This has always been one of my go-to shows since I was young, the episodes always caught my attention and it was always running on loop on the TV. Law and Order SVU is based in New York City and creates situations (both real and fiction) that women face, it shows rapes, murder, and many injustices.

Skylar Snelson
11 a.m. MW class

Harriet Bernard said...

I wouldn't say this is my favorite movie but Miracle On 34th Street is a classic Christmas movie that, a portion of, takes place in a courtroom. A man who works for Macy's claims he is the real Santa Claus and the store owner wants to send him to court to try to prove he is lying and mentally ill. It's a fun and silly movie but it gets pretty serious about figuring out the truth and what is considered moral and true under a court ruling.

-Harriet Bernard MW 11am class

Bella Dawson said...

Bella Dawson - Online Class
My favorite movie related to law is "Legally Blonde". It's of course more of a romantic comedy but it's a very uplifting movie and has been a favorite of mine since I was little. I absolutely love the ending courtroom scene where Elle Woods accidentally solves the murder case by merging her girly/sorority background with her new law knowledge. She has an underdog kind of story and proves to everyone by the end, she is in fact more than a dumb blonde.

Alexandria W said...

My name is Alexandria W and I am in the online class. My favorite TV show that has to do with the law is The Rookie. It is about a 40 something year old man who changes his life and becomes a cop. It shows him through his first year as a rookie and so on. I like it because it shows me in some sense what cops have to go through and also it deals with the law. It may not be 100% accurate, but it definitely made me realize how they have to know every law at the top of their head and how even a small decision they make can affect what can happen next. Plus it is entertaining and sometimes light hearted.

Avery V. (MW 11 a.m.) said...

My favorite movie relating to law would be, "To Kill a Mockingbird." Since seeing it for the first time in high school, I've always admired the story's focus on racial injustice in the American south. Though it has been just over 60 years since the film's release, it's themes are still relevant to the systematic inequality present within our country today.

Avery V.
MW 11 a.m.

Suzyharison said...

Suzy Harison MW 11 a.m.
"Primal Fear" is my favorite law-related film. It is a psychological film about a defense attorney believing his client is innocent on a murder case. I loved it because of how confusing it was, I was put in the position of the attorney: yes he is innocent but then I got tricked and manipulated.

APB said...

Dylan Burnett T/H Honors 9:30-11 AM

"Dexter" is my personal favorite law-related tv-show, mainly because it is crime related and also focuses on forensics and criminal law. It is obviously much more of a true crime / thriller than a law related show but I don't really follow a lot of media. I also enjoyed the premise of the political aspects of the show and the identities related such as public officials or district attorneys.

Anonymous said...

Belle Cundall- Online Class

My favorite show is "Blue Bloods'' with Tom Selleck, Donnie Wahlberg, and Bridget Moynahan. The show follows Frank Reagan(Selleck), the New York Police Commissioner, and his patriarch Reagan family group, a multigenerational family of cops. The daughter Erin (Moynahan), the assistant district attorney, is the only member who strayed from the cop line of work but still works alongside her brother Danny (Wahlberg). This show follows the family and their lives working case after case, keeping New York safe from crime.

Evie Bowman said...

Evie Bowman - 11 a.m MW class

One of my favorite TV shows that is related to law is Parks and Recreation. The reason why this is one of myt favorite shows is because the characters are all personable, plus the show itself is hilarious while also dealing with local, small-town government. The show itself is based around a group of employees who work at a the Parks and Recreation department in Pawnee, Indiana, and their daily lives. As the show progrsses on, one of the main characters actually moves to work on a congressional campaign while one runes for office. I've been watching this show since I was super young so it's defintiely a comfort show of mine.

Spencer Hawthorn said...

Spencer Hawthorn - Online Class

A personal favorite movie of mine, pertaining to law, is The Firm starring Tom Cruise and Gene Hackman. Cruise plays a young lawyer who worked his way through Harvard and joined a top firm that gave him fantastic benefits. He soon discovers that they are actually breaking the law and helping uber wealthy clients evade taxes and launder money. The FBI discovers their shading dealing and business as well and he is confronted by them. His company comes after him in order to silence him and his entire life is turned upside down. The film provides a very interesting perspective on greed, morality and the dealings that can happen among the rich and wealthy.